JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council members are holding town hall meetings to get input from the community on the proposed 6-cent local gas tax increase.
On Tuesday night, Council Member Randy DeFoor held a meeting at St. Johns Presbyterian Church on Herschel Street.
The proposal would increase the local gas tax from 6 cents to 12 cents to pay for transportation projects and infrastructure improvements.
The town hall allowed 90 minutes of conversation concerning the local option gas tax. DeFoor said there was a good turnout, and good feedback.
News4Jax spoke with several of the people attending and asked their opinions.
The youngest person we interviewed was the most vocally opposed.
“The city council doesn’t spend the money wisely,” said Cross Thomas, who attended the meeting. “They can invest more in the city and not on transit, which no one really even rides here in Jacksonville, they can invest in better things for us young people to do in Jacksonville.”
Others either hadn’t made their decision, or knew why they support increasing the tax.
“I came out because I support the gas tax, I support the projects that are listed. But mostly I’m in favor of freeing up the funds to solve the septic tank problem, something that’s a cancer in our society,” said Mary Alice Phelan.
“I’m for the tax,” said Lena Blais. “I’m not sure exactly if I’m for everything that the money might be earmarked for.”
But several others told News4Jax they have concerns about how and where the money will be spent.
A newly released UNF poll found 58% of respondents are against the measure. However, 68% said they support reallocating funds freed up by the gas tax toward phasing out failing septic tanks in Jacksonville.